([crurcsHaNK] GENERAL HULL’S INVASION OF CANADA IN 1812 223 
Cass, who was selected to deliver this, was authorized to enter into an 
arrangement for the exchange of prisoners.‘ Col. St. George cour- 
teously replied that “the custom of war must govern his action in 
respect to the captured property, and that he must await orders as to 
the proposed exchange of prisoners.”? Flags of truce are a common 
device for obtaining information, and Cass doubtiess used his eyes on 
this occasion. Popular rumour had greatly exaggerated the strength 
of the British garrison and magnified the number of Indians ten-fold. 
By some means Hull was speedily informed of the facts and relieved 
from any anxiety in this respect. 
For three nights before, the garrison of Detroit, which consisted 
of Dyson’s company of the Ist United States Artillery and Whistler’s 
company of the 1st United States Infantry, numbering only one hun- 
dred and eighteen of all ranks, had been kept under arms with matches 
burning beside the guns in expectation of an attack. Three companies 
of the Michigan Legion, which had been mustered into the United 
States service under the recent volunteer act, occupied the town, and 
the fourth was stationed at the River Raisin. The repairs upon the 
fortifications which had been in progress for five months had been com- 
pleted, and a new battery constructed on the bank of the river opposite 
Sandwich. 
‘On the 6th and 7th of July, a council with the Indians was held, 
which was attended by many of the Wyandots, Ottawas, Chippawas, 
and Pottawatomies, and even by some representatives of the Shawnees, 
Senecas and Mohawks, all of whom professed friendship but requested 
time for consultation as to their future course. Consequently, General 
Hull informed the Secretary of War that great efforts had been made 
to induce the Indians to join the British, and that the “ tomahawk 
stained with blood ” had been offered to them, but the approach of his 
army had prevented many from accepting it, and he was informed that 
the number of those at Amherstburg was decreasing. He added that 
the militia at Detroit had “ manifested a laudable and patriotic spirit,” 
and expressed his regret his orders did not permit him a “ larger lati- 
tude ” than merely to “ adopt measures for the security of the country.” * 
His troops were generally in good health and spirits and apparently 
eager for active operations, while it was evident that great alarm and 
disorder existed among the Canadian militia at Sandwich.* 

1 Hull to St. George, July 6th; Can. Archives, C 676, p. 132; Forbes, 
Trial of General Hull. 
2 St, George to Hull, July 6th; Forbes, Trial, Appendix -LI, p. 19. 
3 Hull to Eustis, July 7th; Forbes, Trial, Appendix II, p. 9. 
*Walker’s Journal, p. 50; Lucas Journal, p. 373. 

